Indulge in the comforting warmth of Smothered Pork Chops with Cider and Apples, a soul-satisfying dish that combines savory and sweet flavors with a touch of elegance. Perfectly seared bone-in pork chops are nestled in a luscious apple cider cream sauce, enriched with caramelized onions, tender apple slices, and aromatic thyme. This one-skillet recipe not only celebrates the cozy flavors of fall but also saves on cleanup, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Ready in just an hour, this dish is best served alongside creamy mashed potatoes or roasted root vegetables for a wholesome and hearty meal.
Season the pork chops with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of black pepper. Dredge the pork chops lightly in the all-purpose flour, shaking off any excess.
Heat the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork chops and sear for 3–4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chops and set them aside on a plate.
In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and sauté for 5–6 minutes until soft and caramelized. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the sliced apples to the skillet and cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring gently, until they begin to soften.
Pour in the apple cider and chicken stock, scraping the bottom of the skillet to deglaze and release any browned bits. Add the fresh thyme sprigs and bring to a simmer.
Return the seared pork chops to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Cover with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 20–25 minutes until the chops are tender and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 145°F/63°C).
Remove the pork chops from the skillet and keep them warm. Discard the thyme sprigs from the sauce.
Stir the heavy cream into the sauce and simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with the remaining 0.5 teaspoon of salt if needed.
Return the pork chops to the skillet, spoon the sauce and apples over the top, and cook for 1–2 minutes to heat through.
Serve the smothered pork chops warm, topped with the cider-apple sauce, alongside your favorite sides like mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.
Calories |
3133 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 189.3 g | 243% | |
| Saturated Fat | 70.6 g | 353% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.8 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 687 mg | 229% | |
| Sodium | 4190 mg | 182% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 134.6 g | 49% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 14.7 g | 52% | |
| Total Sugars | 84.9 g | ||
| Protein | 211.5 g | 423% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 244 mg | 19% | |
| Iron | 10.6 mg | 59% | |
| Potassium | 3640 mg | 77% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.